Capture Vocals Like a Pro with this Workhorse Neumann Mic!

Go ahead, splurge a little and treat yourself to the Anniversary edition of the versatile Neumann TLM 103 microphone. What sets the Neumann TLM 103 Anniversary set apart from the standard TLM 103 offering is its accessories: it comes with a dedicated shock mount and lightweight aluminum case, instead of a stand mount and wooden box.

Ideal for capturing vocals (especially male vocals), voiceovers, acoustic guitars, and more, the affordable TLM 103 is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone featuring a transformerless circuit, low noise, high sound pressure level (SPL) handling, and a capsule based on the company's classic, significantly more expensive U87 mic capsule. A no-brainer choice for anyone wanting that Neumann sound without a high price tag, this large-diaphragm condenser mic will do the job for a range of applications, from home recording to professional broadcasting and commercial recording studio use.

A Versatile Performance Mic

The TLM 103 boasts a large-diaphragm capsule with a fixed cardioid pattern that draws in sound at the front of the microphone and rejects sound from the rear. When capturing vocals, recording instruments like the acoustic guitar, doing interviews, and so forth, a cardioid mic is often the way to go. With this Neumann microphone, off-axis sounds are rendered naturally while isolation is increased.

Looks and Sounds Like a Neumann

Its K 103 large-diaphragm capsule, based on the K 87 from the company's U 67 and U 87 microphones, has a flat frequency response up to about 4 kHz, and above that, a wide flat 4 dB presence boost. So that you know it's a Neumann, the TLM 103 is addressed from the front and is marked with the red Neumann logo on the body of the microphone.

Look Ma, No Noise!

This mic features a very low self-noise level (7 dB-A / 17.5 dB CCIR), making it possible for even the smallest signals to be reproduced basically noise-free. Able to handle SPL up to 138 dB without distortion, the TLM 103 boasts a dynamic range of 131 dB.

The microphone keeps plosives, pops, and other unwanted noises in check, thanks to its large wire mesh headgrille, which protects the capsule. To further prevent noise from interfering with the mic's performance, the TLM 103's entire internal construction is elastically mounted. What's more, the capsule is set on an elastic mount.

Since its frequency range actually reaches below 20 Hz, the lowest of low bass signals are reproduced without coloration. It's because of this low frequency extension that the TLM 103 is more sensitive to structure-borne interference and wind noise.

TLM Technology for Optimal Operation

The "TLM" in the mic's name is short for "transformerless microphone." Transformerless means that the microphone's usual output transformer is replaced by an electronic circuit. Neumann notes that as with traditional transformers, TLM technology ensures good common mode rejection and prevents RF interference that may influence the balanced audio signal.

The TLM 103 offers highly detailed, accurate sound and superior impulse response, allowing it to reproduce your music and vocals without any noticeable coloration. Professional design and quality details make this Neumann mic an incredible value for the price.

Product Description

The TLM 103 is the ideal large-diaphragm microphone for all professional and semi-professional applications requiring the utmost in sound quality on a limited budget. It's the mic for everyone who, despite budget limitations, does not want to do without the uncompromising Neumann sound.

This special Anniversary Set includes the Neumann EA1 shock mount and a deluxe aluminum case.

Must-Have Mic for Many Applications

Due to the universal cardioid pattern, straightforward handling, extremely low self-noise level, and finally, the price, the TLM 103 is predestined for all demanding applications from home recording to professional broadcasting and commercial recording studios.

Cardioid Polar Pattern

The TLM 103 is equipped with a large diaphragm capsule with cardioid pattern. By focusing on this pattern used in most recording situations the attenuation of unwanted rear sound has been optimized. Off-axis sounds are rendered naturally while isolation is increased. This also leads to a high feedback suppression when the microphone is used in live situations or where loudspeaker playback is a factor.

K 103 Capsule Based on the K 87 Capsule

The TLM 103 is addressed from the front, marked with the red Neumann logo on the microphone body. The K 103 large diaphragm capsule is based on the K 87, well known from the U 67 / U 87 microphones. The capsule has a flat frequency response up to about 4 kHz, and above that, a wide 4 dB presence boost. The large wire mesh headgrille protects the capsule from plosive sounds and effectively prevents pop noises. These characteristics are achieved without resorting to corrective resonance effects. Therefore, the microphone maintains an excellent impulse response and reproduces the finest details of music and speech without coloration.

Extremely Low Noise

With just 7 dB-A / 17.5 dB CCIR the self-noise level of the TLM 103 is so reduced that even the smallest signals are reproduced basically noise-free. As it is capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 138 dB without distortion, the TLM 103 provides a dynamic range of 131 dB, according to DIN/IEC 651. The letters TLM stand for "transformerless microphone." With TLM technology the usual output transformer is replaced by an electronic circuit. As with traditional transformers, it ensures good common mode rejection, and prevents RF interference that may influence the balanced audio signal.

Sensitive to Low Bass Signals

The entire internal construction is elastically mounted to attenuate any structure borne noise that could interfere with the TLM 103's operation. Furthermore the capsule is set on an elastic mount. The frequency range reaches below 20 Hz; thus, even very low bass signals are reproduced without coloration. Due to this low frequency extension, the TLM 103 is more sensitive to structure borne interference and wind noise. For such cases, the WS 87 windscreen is available as an accessory. For close vocal use, the PS 10 or PS 20 pop screens are recommended.

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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
"Great Mic, especially for the cash..."

Sound:
Great sound with a LA-610 Preamp in my 002 set up...Sounds good on acoustic guitar as well as lead vocals...
Overall:
May go up to the next level of MICS...U87 eventually when finances dictate. For the money, this is a great buy!

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

"Great Mic, but Overpriced."

Sound:
The sound is great, very clear and "airy". I have used a U-87 many a time, even though the U-87 is more FLAT & slightly boomy, i enjoy the U-87, but I LOVE the way the TLM 103 sounds. I have also used an AKG 414, and the 414 is very boomy, with alot of low end in it, but sounds great.
The TLM103 is a great mic, with great sound, the only negative part about the mic itself, is EVERY small studio has one, and me personally, I don't like to be like everybody else. But for the simple fact that everybody has it in their studio as their go to vocal mic for rap/hip hop, and even country vocals, that must mean something. But your mic is only as good as your preamp.
Feature:
I gave this a 1 for the features, because there is no High Pass Filter, no Pad, (Even though most preamps have these two) & no pick up pattern option.
Ease of Use:
Easy to use, just plug and play, no rocket science involved.
Quality:
Mic looks great & sounds great.
Value:
This microphone is WAY WAY WAY OVERPRICED for what it is. The only reason it costs so much, is because it has a Neumann Logo.
Manufacturer Support:
Yes, Neumann is quick with response.
The Wow Factor:
Mic looks "sexy" and great.
Overall:
Overall I would give this mic a 7, just for the simple fact that i love the way it sounds. The only reason I gave it a low score, is because of the price, it's overpriced and neumann needs to go ahead and drop the price on these.
I have been looking into starting my own studio, just starting to record vocals first. And I have used many mics, but I am still considering this one, but then again, the price hurts the pockets for what i get. So i am interested in, AKG 414, AKG 214, BLUE Baby Bottle, SHURE KSM44 & of course, Neumann TLM 103.

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